Oct 24, 2019 You cannot just take a Windows executable (.exe program) and convert it to Mac OS X (.app) file. You will need to either find an macOS / OS X version provided by the developer of the software, or you have to use some virtualization software, like Parallels Desktop to run Windows programs on your Mac.
I am trying to convert a Windows.exe file to a macOS.app or anything that would run on macOS. Problem is the only things I have found require a Mac and I don't have one. I am looking to convert it on my Windows computer then send it to a Mac computer. I would prefer an option that didn't require a virtual machine.
If you're looking to create an OS X app that you can sell on the Mac App Store then you will want to create the app using Xamarin.Mac. This will give you a 100% native user interface whilst allowing you to share the core functionality between your Windows and Mac version. I would suggest checking out our documentation on code sharing. Jul 27, 2019 You can run some Windows.exe files under WINE, but the best way to run Windows programs on a Mac is to install Windows under VirtualBox or Parallels virtual machine managers. WINE is Open Source, VirtualBox is free from Oracle, and Parallels is a commercial product. Jun 09, 2020 An app file extension is related to Mac OS X (macOS) operating system for Apple Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini and MacBook Air computers. An app file contains application package. Files with app file extension may also be apps generated from a Visual FoxPro project in Virtual FoxPro environment.
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Conversion of app file format to exe file format beta
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Possible software with support for converting of app files to exe file format.
You cannot just simply convert Mac apps (saved as .app files) to a Windows executable (.exe). You need to find a proper version of the program for another OS, or use some kind of virtualization software like VMWare to emulate macOS / OS X system and start the apps on Windows computers.
Updated: June 9, 2020
Unfortunately, there is no detailed software record in the database for this conversion.
Additional links: Open app file, Open exe file
APP
An app file extension is related to Mac OS X (macOS) operating system for Apple Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini and MacBook Air computers. An app file contains application package.
Files with app file extension may also be apps generated from a Visual FoxPro project in Virtual FoxPro environment. Made with the Project Manager ► Build option.
Files with app file extension are related to picture file format used by Atari 8-bit computers.
File extension app can be also found as projects from ArcPad mobile field mapping and data collection software developed by ESRI. The .app file stores ArcPad project.
An app file extension is related to the Symbian OS mobile platform. An app file contains application for Symbian.
EXE
An exe file extension is traditionally used for main executable files since the times of MS-DOS. It was adopted for executables in Windows as well. Executables are files that launch programs.
Files with exe file extension can also be found as special self-extracting compress archives. They are basically archives with a small executable program added so the end-user does not require any software to decompress it. Can be password protected.
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Jun 12, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
Mac’s impressive library of apps gives you everything you need but let’s face it: Windows has a far larger library.
Haven’t you ever come across software native to Windows which endear themselves to you? But since they all come with the EXE file extension, your Mac is incapable of running them. Well, there are workarounds to this problem and you’ll learn about them today.
It’s possible to safely open and run EXE files on your Mac using mediums like Boot Camp, Remote Desktop, CrossOver, Virtual Machine and WINE, to mention the most prominent ones. And you don’t need to be an expert to do this. As long as you can follow simple instructions, you’re all set.
Part 1: Can You Run an EXE File on a Mac?
Yes, you can. With how innovative and creative developers have become, it was only a matter of time before they devised a means to run EXE files on Mac, even though such files are incompatible with macOS.
Convert Windows Exe To Mac App Converter
What’s an EXE file, though? It’s a file extension that denotes an executable file format. Okay, but what’s an executable file? It’s any file capable of being executed as a program. To put it simply, it’s what makes the installation and running of software possible.
EXE files are used in a few operating systems, the most notable of them being Microsoft Windows. You can think of EXE files as the Windows version of APP files (APP files, if you’re unaware, are executable files under macOS).
Go further and learn how to fix MS Word not responding on Mac.
Running EXE files on Mac is very possible but only through backdoor means, so to speak. You need an emulator (WINE is by far the most popular), or you install a virtual machine software on your macOS to enable you to load Windows VM, or make an extra partition on your disk where you can simultaneously have both macOS and Windows in your Mac.
Part 2: How to Open EXE Files on Mac
Again, you have several options to choose from when attempting this. So many software out there can help you open EXE files on Mac. You are advised to go with the Parallel Desktop.
Parallel Desktop
This software is simplistic and won’t take up much on your time because it doesn’t even require a Mac restart anytime you wish to run a Windows application. A copy of Microsoft Windows is required though. You have to install it on your hard disk but it’s easy to do:
Step 1: Windows Installation
Open up your Mac’s Application folder and double-click on the “Parallels” icon (you have to do this to install Windows).
Click on “File.”
Click on “New.”
Click on “Install Windows or another OS from DVD or image file.”
Click on “Continue.” You can easily install Windows either from a DVD or the more popular .iso disc image; or even a bootable USB drive.
You can even switch to the manual mode, locate the source for the Windows installation, and choose it by clicking on “Select a file…”
Click on “Continue”. You will be taken to a Windows product key window.
Leave the “Express installation” as it is, input the key and click “Continue.”
You will be asked to select how you wish to use Windows: Whether for productivity, games only, software development, design, etc. Once you’re done selecting, click on “Continue.”
Type in a name for the virtual machine and select the directory or location for the Parallels Desktop.
Click on “Continue” and the Windows installation will commence. All Intel-based Macs are compatible with both 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows: From Windows XP to Windows 10.
Once the installation concludes you can open up Windows by clicking on the “Power” button in the list of the Parallels Virtual Machine.
Convert Windows App To Mac
Step 2: Using Parallels Desktop
The very first time Windows restarts, “Parallels Tools” will be installed. This will be what ultimately integrates your Mac with your Windows desktops. After the installation is done, you will be asked to restart Windows.
Open up your Parallels Desktop from “Spotlight.’
Click on “Virtual Machine.”
Select “Configure” in the drop-down menu which appears.
Click on “Options.”
Click on “Shared Folders.”
Click on “Add.”
Click on “Choose.” Doing this will add a location from your Mac’s desktop to the virtual machine. Simply put any EXE file in this location to enable Windows to access and install them
Part 3: How to Run Windows APPs on Mac
The question now is not whether you want to run EXE files on your Mac, but rather how to go about it conveniently. There are countless of great Windows apps that never made it to macOS, and they probably never will. A lot of them have very attractive features that make Windows the envy of all Mac owners.
Running EXE files on Mac is made easy and convenient via Boot Camp and Remote Desktop. You can use any. It depends on preference and what you find more convenient.
Boot Camp
This application makes it possible for you to install Windows on your Mac. Switching between macOS and Windows thus becomes a matter of you restarting your system and deciding which OS to log into.
Step 1: Windows Installation File
Boot Camp is compatible with Windows 8,8.1. and 10 (you will need an ISO file of any of these three releases).
Step 2: Launch Your Mac’s Utilities folder
Type in “Utilities” in your Mac’s search bar, then click it.
Step 3: Launch Boot Camp Assistant
The app’s icon looks like a grey hard drive. Click it.
Step 4: On-screen Instructions
You will be instructed to choose the Windows ISO, the drive you intend to install it on, and restart your Mac.
Step 5: Your Mac Will Restart
Once you’re done setting up Boot Camp, you will be asked to restart Mac.
After that, you will be taken to the Windows installer screen.
Step 6: Install Windows
Follow the instructions to install the version of Windows you chose.
Step 7: Startup Manager
Once the install has been completed, your system will restart. Press and hold the “Option” key while this happens and the “Startup Manager” will appear.
Let go of the “Option” key and you will see all the drives you can boot your Mac from.
Step 8: Boot Camp
Select “Boot Camp” and click on “Return”.
Your Mac will now be loaded into Windows.
Navigate to your EXE file and run it.
Remote Desktop
This free tool does what many others fail at: lets you take full advantage of your Windows apps from your Mac. That’s pretty convenient, don’t you agree? Even though you’ll need Mac and PC to use the Remote Desktop, it’s still a great software that deserves praise. Here’s how you use it:
Step 1: Get Your PC Ready
Open the start menu and navigate to “Settings”, then “System”, then “Remote Desktop.”
Turn “Enable Remote Desktop” on and “Confirm.”
Step 2: Know Your IP Address & PC Name
Still on the “Remote Desktop” menu, and below the “How to connect to this PC”, jot down your PC name.
Go to your “Settings’, then “Network & Internet”.
Click “Wi-Fi” and select the network you’re connected to. This will bring up the network connection properties screen. At the bottom of the page is your “IPv4 address”. Jot it down.
Step 3: Install the Mac Version of Microsoft Remote Desktop
Convert Exe To Mac
Pick up your Mac and open up your Mac App Store, then search for “Microsoft Remote Desktop.”
Download and install it.
Step 4: Open Add Your PC to Remote Desktop
Open up Remote Desktop on your Mac.
Click on “Add Desktop.”
A dialogue box will pop up. Type in the PC Name you jotted down; if it doesn’t work, type in the IP address.
Click “Save”.
Android To Windows App Converter
Step 5: You Can Now Connect
Convert Windows Exe To Mac Apps
Keep your PC turned on and make sure it is connected to the network your Mac is connected to.
Remote Desktop will now show your computer below “Saved Desktops.”
Double-click on it to connect.
You will be required to enter your username and password.
Click “OK.”
A security warning will pop up. Since you’re on a private network, ignore the warning and click “Continue.”
That’s the last step. You can now view and use your Windows on your Mac via Remote Desktop.
Exe To Mac Converter
Closing Words
Well, there you have it. Running your EXE files via your Mac is now a thing of the past. As long as you have the right tools, you can do it in a matter of minutes.
These tools make your Mac more versatile than even Apple intended and anticipated because they enable you to go beyond what your Mac is capable of doing. You can achieve an end goal that would have otherwise been impossible. That’s the power of a Mac for you.